Reflections on the Epiphany Dinner

From Dr. Heather McColl, pastor of Midway Christian Church, Midway, Ky.

When Ouita mentioned doing the Epiphany Dinner my first year at Midway Christian Church, my first thought was “Are you crazy? We are going to add something to the season? Isn’t there enough going on as it is?”  

But that night, there were so many beloved church members and people from the community gathered around the table – not rushed, not stressed – just celebrating one another and enjoying the music from The Center for Old Music in the New World.  Then the Christmas hog came out of the kitchen and was paraded around the room! It was the oddest and most wonderful experience I can remember.

I have grown to appreciate, and now even crave, the slowdown that Epiphany time brings. No longer is it a mad rush to get to December 25, but rather a journey which takes me through the contemplative practices of Advent to the manger scene in Bethlehem, where I remain until the wise men appear on January 6.

The Epiphany dinner reminds me, as a person of faith, that we are called to a different way to be in community with one another; that we are invited to come to the table and experience each other completely as Beloved Children of God; no rush, no false pretenses, just simply joy experienced.

I am constantly amazed by how church members Gloria Batts and Dottie Pollard dress up our fellowship hall. To see this simple space where we’ve had hundreds of meals –  a space used for Cub Scouts and other community meetings – transformed into a magical atmosphere of lights and sparkles, angels and stars; it just goes to show what’s possible when people of faith put their mind to something.

I also know that the magic goes deeper than lights and sparkles. It is true Hospitality — truly Welcome personified. It is about creating a space where all can encounter the Divine in our midst; to hear once again that we are all welcome at the table as God’s children, and that our story as a faith community is an ongoing reminder that there are no boundaries keeping others out. 

All are welcome. All are invited. Just look at the very story of Epiphany…men from the East, paying homage to the newborn king. The Epiphany story turns the world upside down and reminds us that God’s Beloved Community is one of wholeness, love and peace.